The electrocorticographic pattern of generalized seizures in rats during ontogenesis
Mares, P.; Zouhar, A.; Brozek, G.
Physiologia Bohemoslovaca 29(3): 193-200
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-9463 PMID: 6447300 Document Number: 164708
In acute experiments on 62 male albino rats aged from 5 days to adulthood the electrocorticographic (ECoG) pattern of generalized seizures induced with metrazole or through the activity of symmetrical penicillin foci was studied. The pattern developed from slow, sharp-pointed waves in 5 day old rats via sharp waves in the theta frequency zone to spikes in 10 to 12 day old rats. Spike-wave complexes appeared for the 1st time at 12 days. The picture in 15 day old rats was qualitatively the same as in adult rats; the seizure began with rhythmic spikes, which were succeeded by spike-wave complexes (or multiple spikes and a wave). An increase in the wave component towards the end of the seizures reduced the complex frequency. Quantitative changes (an increase in frequency) continued until the 25th day. In 5 day old rats the activity of both hemispheres was practically independent; in 8 and 10 day old rats seizures started locally, but generalization was rapid. Synchronization of the individual graphoelements in the 2 hemispheres was present on the 10th-12th day. The seizures lasted significantly longer in the younger age groups (up to and including the 15th day) than in 20 day old and older animals. Other types of epileptic activity which can be elicited in rat cerebral cortex during ontogenesis are compared.